Fantasy World: I Can Travel To Cultivation World

Chapter 147 Planning

"Goldfinch!" Duke Rutte exclaimed as his eyes locked onto the badge in Diego's hand.

He finally recognized Diego's true identity—he was a descendant of the former royal family of the Half-Elf Kingdom, the illustrious Goldfinch Bird House of Savoy.

"No wonder His Highness is so desperate to capture you," Rutte muttered, realization dawning on him.

Diego's smile widened. "Now you understand, my Lord Duke. When I proposed taking the palace together, it wasn't a bluff."

"Hah! Have you lost your mind?" Rutte scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. "So what if you're from the House of Savoy? Do you think this is three hundred years ago? Do you think your bloodline alone is enough to command me?

Wake up! The Modiwen family is the ruling dynasty now!"

Diego chuckled softly, unfazed. "Ah, my Lord Duke, if you refuse to cooperate, do you think His Majesty might be...interested in the records of our past dealings?"

Rutte's composure faltered, but he barked back, "Why would His Majesty believe you?"

Diego's eyes gleamed with confidence. "Why not? You know I've always been meticulous. I have detailed records of every bribe I've ever given you—dates, amounts, and the favors exchanged.

Not just you, Duke Rutte, but your people as well—your trusted subordinates, your allies.

On any ordinary day, this might mean nothing. But in times like these, when tensions are high, do you think His Majesty would gamble on your innocence? Or would he prefer to 'err on the side of caution' and dispose of you, just in case?"

A cold sweat broke out on Duke Rutte's brow.

He knew his brother-in-law, the king, far too well. That man was a ruthless, calculating political machine. If the old king even suspected treason, he wouldn't hesitate to swing the axe—better to eliminate a potential threat than leave it unchecked.

After a long silence, Rutte's voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper. "What...exactly is your plan?"

The corners of Diego's lips curled into a bloodthirsty smile.

---

Cathy, dressed in a simple black maid's uniform, entered the room and carefully placed lunch in front of Luis.

After serving the food, she didn't leave as usual. Instead, she stood silently by the round table, her hands clasped behind her back, a hesitant look on her face.

Luis poured himself a glass of juice, took a sip, and glanced at her. "What is it? News?"

Cathy fidgeted slightly but remained still. After a moment's hesitation, she spoke softly, "Sir, the Half-Elf Palace might be... dangerous tomorrow night. Perhaps you could take your guards and Miss Vera's body and leave for a while..."

Luis raised an eyebrow, looking up at her with a faint smile. "I didn't expect you to care so much about my safety."

"This is my duty," Cathy replied, lowering her head.

Luis set the glass down with deliberate precision, then suddenly grabbed her by the collar, yanking her close.

Cathy let out a startled yelp but quickly fell silent, her wide eyes locked on his cold expression.

"You think I'm a fool?" Luis asked, his voice icy and sharp.

Cathy shook her head frantically. "N-no, I don't!"

"Then why try to use me?" His tone cut through her like a blade, and she trembled visibly.

"I... I didn't mean to..."

"No?" Luis sneered, his grip tightening momentarily before releasing her. "You expect me to believe that you're acting out of concern for my safety? You wanted me to move Vera's body and draw the Silver Moon Guards' attention away from you. You thought you could use me as your bait."

Cathy's face went pale, her lips trembling.

"How dare you play games with me, Cathy Savoy?" Luis continued, his voice low but menacing. "Here's your choice. Tell me everything—your real plan—or I'll walk straight to the old king. I'm sure he'd gladly station troops throughout the palace and set a trap for you."

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"I... I'll tell you! I'll tell you everything!" Cathy stammered, her voice cracking as tears welled in her eyes.

Luis let go of her collar and leaned back, casually picking up his glass again. He sipped the juice as though nothing had happened, his gaze fixed on her, waiting for her explanation.

"Sir, our House of Savoy has already succeeded in persuading Duke Rutte to become a rebel.

However, while the duke holds the title of commander of the Silver Moon Guard, in reality, he only has absolute control over two squadrons—12,000 troops in total.

The other three wings of the Silver Moon Guard, comprising over 18,000 soldiers, remain firmly under the control of the Modiwen family.

Although we're at a disadvantage in numbers, we have the element of surprise on our side. If we launch a sudden attack and successfully seize the palace, capturing both the old king and Prince William before the Modiwen forces can fully respond, the Modiwen family won't be able to retaliate effectively.

To ensure the success of this plan, Your Excellency, we hope for your cooperation."

Luis stroked his chin thoughtfully, weighing the feasibility of the Savoy family's scheme.

"So, you're asking me to take Vera's body out of the palace to divert the Modiwen family's attention and split their forces?"

Cathy hesitated but eventually nodded. "Yes. Once you leave the palace, head south toward the city's edge. That area is under Duke Rutte's control, but security will be intentionally weak tomorrow."

Luis gave a faint, unreadable smile. "And what about your troop deployment and the marching route for the attack on the palace? Share that with me."

Cathy's expression turned uneasy. "I... I don't know the details."

Luis rolled his eyes. "Then go ask Diego. Without that information, don't expect me to cooperate."

Cathy froze, her eyes widening in shock. "Diego...? How... how do you know that name?"

Luis chuckled, his tone teasing. "Just some... secret ears."

Cathy clenched her teeth, visibly rattled, but nodded reluctantly. "Fine. I'll get the details for you right away."

With that, she turned and left in a hurry.